C09100v3 Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
Award(s): Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) (BForSc(Hons))CRICOS code: 092385E
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 48
Course EFTSL: 1
Location: City campus
Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
As the first forensic science degree in Australia, the world-class UTS Bachelor of Forensic Science is recognised for producing future leaders in this compelling field of practice. More than just a theoretical science degree, this course delivers a comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of STEM, information technology, law, criminology and social impact.
The honours degree contains an additional year of study on top of the standard Bachelor of Forensic Science curriculum. This year is dedicated to the acquisition of high-level research skills under the guidance of leading academics and industry practitioners from the acclaimed UTS Centre for Forensic Science.
Why UTS Science?
As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to scientific advancement that creates a more sustainable world. Our students join a university that delivers global impact in STEM education and research and a faculty that produces scientists with the power to transform the profession.
Course features
Students complete a year-long forensic science research project in a UTS lab or with one of many industry partners, engaging and collaborating on a real-world project that offers value to the profession. Insights from our industry partners indicate high demand for graduates with more than just fundamental forensic science skills — as well as developing hands-on research experience and producing a formal thesis, honours students gain a range of professional capabilities (critical thinking, collaboration, autonomous practice) that prepare them to meet this workforce demand.
Course aims
Study where forensic science happens
Students benefit from UTS’s world-class facilities, access to new technologies and extensive industry networks. They partner on real-world research projects in professional research labs in UTS facilities, including the renowned Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, or with external forensic science and criminal justice organisations, among others.
Career options
Graduates will prepare to make their mark in the world of criminal justice and security by adding high-level research and professional skills to their core forensic science skill sets. Depending on their thesis topic and choice of major in their first three years of study, they can prepare for roles in state and federal policing and criminal justice, government and scientific research organisations (ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs and immigration), intelligence agencies, or in a wealth of commercial settings where forensic science expertise is highly valued by industry (banking, insurance, consulting, accounting, forensic and cybersecurity organisations).
Course intended learning outcomes
| 1.1 | Demonstrate an advanced command of forensic science knowledge and its application to investigate and find solutions to a forensic science research question. |
| 2.1 | Employ investigative and problem-solving skills to conduct and design experiments and critically appraise and evaluate research data and literature to identify and address challenges in contemporary forensic science. |
| 3.1 | Develop safe, ethical, and responsible professional conduct through work-integrated learning and/or research. |
| 3.2 | Discuss the impact and role of forensic science in addressing current and future challenges faced by law enforcement, the legal system, security, and the wider community, and contribute to that impact through original research. |
| 4.1 | Demonstrate self-directed learning skills with a high degree of personal autonomy to integrate innovative thinking and creative problem solving applied to challenges in forensic science practice and research. |
| 5.1 | Effectively document and communicate scientific discovery or research to coherently present complex ideas to expert, scientific, and general audiences in a variety of formats. |
| 6.1 | Faculty of Science Honours graduates will have advanced knowledge of ethical Indigenous research approaches to inform their professional application across industry and/or research. |
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline at an appropriate level.
The honours program is normally open to students who have attained at least a credit average over the final two-thirds of the undergraduate program.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Course duration and attendance
The course is offered on a one-year, full-time basis.
Course structure
The course comprises 48 credit points of study, consisting of two academic stages. The major component of the course (75 per cent) is a research project that extends over the full duration of the course and normally takes the form of an experimental investigation. The project is undertaken within one of the research groups at UTS in an area of forensic science. Projects may also be undertaken in collaboration with an external partner. Projects are chosen by the student, although first preferences cannot always be accommodated. As part of the project, students undertake a critical review of the existing literature in their research area and develop a research plan for the year. The results of the project are presented in an oral seminar and in a written thesis, both of which are formally assessed. The remaining 25 per cent is the coursework component, in which students complete two professional development subjects.
Industrial training/professional practice
Students studying this course have an opportunity to undertake an internship subject and receive academic credit for their placement off campus (an external business or research institute) or on campus (UTS research institutes or departments), in a capacity relevant to their academic studies.
Course completion requirements
| STM91704 Forensic Science (Honours) | 48cp | |
| Total | 48cp |
Course program
The course commences in either Autumn or Spring session. The program shown assumes full-time attendance. Not all subjects may be available.
| Autumn commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65027 Honours (Forensic Science) 1 | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 65028 Honours (Forensic Science) 2 | 24cp | |
| Spring commencing | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 65027 Honours (Forensic Science) 1 | 24cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 65028 Honours (Forensic Science) 2 | 24cp | |
Professional recognition
Graduates from this course are eligible to become members of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
Other information
Further information is available from:
UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS
Further information regarding honours, including available projects and the application process, is available from UTS: Science.